Spa Day

Misty thermal pools cradled by rocks and forest. Lightly soaked towels wrapped around resting heads. Poplin sleepwear drenched after a morning plunge. These images, photographed in Japan’s natural hot springs by Nikki McClarron, depict Copenhagen-based home line Tekla and Tokyo-based clothing label Auralee’s limited edition capsule collection in its natural state.

The inspiration comes from the Japanese Shintō bathing ritual onsen, which involves sitting and washing in steaming hot mineral water in either a bathouse or hot spring to purify the body, mind, and soul. And the natural thermal springs of Iceland and Finland, where locals plunge into the frigid sea to combat melancholy during Scandinavia’s harsh winters. With this in mind, the two brands came together to create a line, which debuts on Wednesday. The collection includes a selection of towels modeled after those offered at Japanese public baths, a bathmat, and 100% cotton pajamas available in two exclusive moss and misty blue colorways. Other offerings include a cloud-like down jacket in a milky, striped pattern, as well as an ultra-fine, 100% merino wool robe-coat, which channels Auralee’s classic coat patterns and Tekla’s famous hooded robes.  

Untied to trends and uninterested in frills, both labels elevate design for ordinary activities. Auralee creates garments with high-quality materials that are sophisticated and elegant, while Tekla designs bedding, blankets, and sleepwear in brilliant colors and color-blocked stripes. Each possesses a commitment to high-quality construction and a firm grasp on modern design. Considering at once a harsh winter flurry and tranquil trip to the spa, the brands are exploring new territory together—Tekla has never released a jacket, nor has Auralee a towel. Now working in tandem, they will wrap wearers in a lush feeling of restorative warmth, at-home, in the sauna, or outdoors.